Wicked Fave Louise Dearman to Headline U.K. Premiere of New Musical The Water Babies

Louise Dearman will headline the world premiere of The Water Babies at the U.K's Curve Theatre. Dearman, the first actress to ever portray both Elphaba and Glinda in Wicked, will take on the role of Mrs D in the new musical inspired by Charles Kingsley’s classic novel. Directed by Ed Curtis, with music by Chris Egan, and book and lyrics by Ed Curtis and Guy Jones, the show will begin performances on April 24, 2014 and will run through May 17. Opening night is set for May 6.

Inspired by the much-loved novel, the story follows Tom, an orphaned teenager, who is framed for a crime he didn’t commit. In an attempt to escape capture he is trapped on the edge of a waterfall. His only choice is to jump. Awakening in the depths of the ocean he encounters the mysterious Mrs D, and a whole new world of enchantment, danger and adventure.

In addition to Wicked, Dearman's theater credits include Evita, Grease, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Guys and Dolls, Jekyll and Hyde, Cats and Debbie Does Dallas. Her third album, In Time, will be released in December as a companion to her forthcoming tour in 2014 of the same name.

Curtis and Jones' joint writing credits include Marlon Brando's Corset and Never Forget. Jones' additional theater writing credits include The Lower Depths, Whispers and The Spinning Wheel. As a director Curtis’ credits include I Dreamed a Dream, Jolson & Company, Never Forget,  Marlon Brando’s Corset and Conspiracy. Egan's work as a composer, arranger and orchestrator includes the Broadway, West End and U.S. tour mountings of End Of The Rainbow. Other credits include The Bodyguard, The Pajama Game, Kiss Me, Kate, Crazy For You, Witches Of Eastwick, Never Forget, The Wedding Singer, Grease, Daddy Cool, Footloose, Love Shack and Calamity Jane.